Aram Khachaturian: Gayaneh – Suites No. 1 & 2 from the Ballet / LP

LPV 330

Product Details:

• Label: Supraphon – LPV 330
• Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo
• Country: Czechoslovakia
• Released: 1971
• Genre: Classical

Overview

Aram Khachaturian’s Gayaneh is one of the defining works in the 20th-century ballet repertoire, rich in vibrant folk rhythms and melodies that draw from the cultural heritage of the Soviet Union. This vinyl release features Suites No. 1 and No. 2 from the ballet, conducted by Zdeněk Chalabala and performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The suites capture the spirit of Khachaturian’s distinctive compositional style, which blends Armenian folk influences with the sweeping drama of Soviet-era ballet.

The plot of Gayaneh, set on a collective farm in Soviet Armenia, is woven with themes of personal sacrifice, patriotism, and the triumph of the human spirit. The ballet's music explores a wide array of moods, from lyrical love duets to fiery dance numbers, with vivid depictions of folk dances such as the Lezginka and Gopak. These highly expressive suites showcase Khachaturian’s mastery in transforming folk idioms into grand symphonic gestures.

Recorded on Supraphon in 1971, this LP offers a stellar, energetic interpretation of the work by one of the most prominent orchestras of the time, with Zdeněk Chalabala bringing his vast experience to the score.

Track Listing

Suite No. 1:

1. Dance of Welcome
2. Gayaneh's Adagio
3. The Girls Dance
4. Lyrical Duo

Suite No. 2:

1. Gayaneh's Lullaby
2. Gayaneh and Giko (Scene)
3. Dance of the Highlanders
4. The Fire (Intermezzo)
5. The Lezginka
6. The Gopak
7. The Sword Dance

Key Credits

Conductor:

• Zdeněk Chalabala

Orchestra:

• Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Composer:

• Aram Khachaturian

Box #151